Google Ads vs SEO for Tradies: Which Gets Better Results?

7/7/2025

In today’s digital world, most tradies know they need an online presence—but when it comes to getting found on Google, you’re usually left with two main options:

SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
Google Ads (Pay-Per-Click Advertising)

But which one actually works better for trades like plumbing, electrical, carpentry, concreting, or general construction?

Let’s break down what each does, the pros and cons, and how tradies like you can get the best ROI from your online marketing budget.

What Is SEO for Tradies?

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is all about getting your website to rank organically on Google without paying for clicks.

When someone searches “plumber in Brisbane” or “licensed sparky near me,” Google decides which websites to show based on:

Website content
Mobile-friendliness
Page speed
Reviews and trust signals
Location relevance
Keywords used

SEO is a long-term strategy that can get you consistent leads once your site is ranking well but it takes time and effort to build that presence.

What Is Google Ads for Tradies?

Google Ads are the paid listings that show at the top of Google search results. You’re essentially paying to jump the queue.

When someone searches “emergency plumber Gold Coast,” and you’re running Google Ads, your ad could be one of the first things they see.

You pay every time someone clicks whether they call you, visit your site, or just poke around. This is called PPC (Pay Per Click).

SEO vs Google Ads: Pros and Cons for Tradies

Let’s compare them head-to-head from a tradie’s point of view.

✅ SEO: Pros

Free traffic (no cost per click)
Builds long-term trust and authority
Works well for local searches
Good ROI over time
You own the traffic—no ad spend needed later

❌ SEO: Cons

Takes time (3–6 months or more to see solid results)
Requires ongoing effort/content
Needs technical work or professional help

✅ Google Ads: Pros

Immediate visibility—get found today
Target specific jobs, suburbs, times
Trackable ROI (calls, clicks, conversions)
Works even if your website is brand new

❌ Google Ads: Cons

Can get expensive, especially in competitive trades
Stop paying = no traffic
Requires constant tweaking to avoid wasting money

📈 Real Example: How SEO and Google Ads Work Together

Let’s say you’re a concreter in Melbourne.

With Google Ads, you can instantly show up for “driveway concreting Melbourne” today—but you might pay $5–$20 per click.
With SEO, you can work to rank for “best concreter Melbourne” and get 20–100 free clicks a month once you’re on the first page.

Now imagine you’re getting both. The ads bring immediate jobs, and SEO keeps your long-term pipeline full.

That’s the real win: using both smartly.

Which Gets Better Results for Tradies?

It depends on your goals, timeline, and budget. Here’s a breakdown:

Situation: Just launched website, need jobs fast

✅ Best Option: Google Ads

Situation: Want long term, low cost lead flow

✅ Best Option: SEO

Situation: Competitive market (e.g., plumbing, electrical)

✅ Best Option: Both

Situation: Small budget, no time for content

✅ Best Option: Google Ads (short-term)

Situation: Willing to invest now for future results

✅ Best Option: SEO

Cost Breakdown (Typical for Aussie Tradies)

Let’s look at rough pricing and ROI:

Strategy: Google Ads

Cost per Month: $500–$2,000 (ad spend + mgmt)

Leads: 20–60

Cost per Lead: $20–$80

Strategy: SEO

Cost per Month: $500–$1,500 (ongoing work)

Leads: 20–100 (after 3–6 months)

Cost per Leads: $5–$30

Google Ads gets faster results, but SEO becomes cheaper over time, especially if you stay in one area.

How to Make Google Ads Work for Your Trade Business

Target Specific Services
– Don’t just target “plumber” go after “hot water repair Brisbane” or “blocked drains Gold Coast.”
Use Call Extensions
– Make sure your ads have a “Click to Call” button.
Set Your Area Radius
– Only show ads in your actual service area.
Send to a High-Converting Page
– Don’t send them to your homepage. Send them to a page that matches their search (e.g., “Emergency Plumber Page”).
Use Negative Keywords
– Stop wasting money on clicks like “DIY plumbing” or “plumbing courses.”

How to Win at SEO for Tradies

Get Your Site Right
– Fast loading, mobile-friendly, strong calls to action.
Target Local Keywords
– “Electrician Bondi” is better than just “electrician.”
Add Trust Builders
– Reviews, licenses, ABN, logos of certifications.
Blog Monthly
– Answer common questions like “how to stop a leaking tap” or “what is rough-in plumbing?” Just like ours > Read More
Get Backlinks
– Links from other trusted sites help you rank higher.

Best Strategy? Start With Google Ads, Build With SEO

Here’s a simple plan for most tradie businesses:

Month 1–3:

Run Google Ads to get leads immediately
Start SEO foundations: fast website, Google Business Profile, content

Month 4–6:

Reduce Google Ads spend as SEO gains traction
Focus on ranking for 3–5 top services

Month 7+:

Scale SEO across more suburbs/services
Use Google Ads for specific campaigns (like emergency jobs or new service launches)

Common Questions from Tradies

“How long does SEO take to work?”

Usually 3–6 months for first-page results, but it depends on your market and competition.

“Can I do SEO myself?”

Yes, but it’s time consuming. If you’d rather be on the tools, it’s better to hire someone who knows how to rank trade sites.

“Are Google Ads worth it?”

If done right yes. But if you just “boost” your site without knowing your cost per lead, you’ll burn cash fast.

Final Verdict: SEO vs Google Ads for Tradies

If you want speed opt for Google ads. Google ads will generally come with a higher price for results, whereas SEO is a long term option that will continue to generate organic ongoing results. SEO services are generally priced at a monthly rate however generally do not need to be continued forever unless you are continuously competing in a competitive industry.

SEO has a very high return on investment, its benefits are lasting and powerful for ongoing views to your website and consistent conversions without relying on ongoing advertisements.

SEO will build your brand and online presence while getting you more leads. Google advertisements will get you leads fast.

Need Help Getting More Leads?

Whether you want:

A new site built for SEO
Google Ads campaigns that actually work
A full system to generate, track, and convert leads

If you want to know why every tradie needs a website in 2025 click here.

We can help. Nexa Web Development specialises in website development and marketing for tradies and construction businesses, and we understand what works for long term growth.

We help clients all over Australia to build and develop their construction and tradie based websites.

Whether your in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth we are here to help you build a high converting website for your trade based business.

Reach out for a customised plan for your business.